Out & About
Calendar: May 24-31
Parties, gatherings and events in the week to come
Friday, May 24
Author and filmmaker John Waters appears at Politics and Prose Bookstore (5015 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. to discuss his new book “Mr. Know-It-All.” Waters will be in conversation with Stephen Thompson. Admission is free. No reservation required. Seating is first come, first served. For details, visit politics-prose.com.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) presents Blush, a new gay dance party, tonight from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Geneva Confectionn hosts the party. Cover is $5 and includes clothes/coat check. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.
Birds of Prey Drag Show is at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) tonight at 9:30 p.m. This show is part of D.C. Black Pride weekend. Performers will include guest drag performer Raquel Lord, recording artist Billy Winn and local queens Brooklyn Heights, Iyana Deschanel, Sasha Adams Sanchez, Alicia Love, Crystal Edge, Kedra Lattimore and Deja Diamond. Kristina Kelly hosts the event. This is an 18-and-over show. For details, visit dceagle.com.
Saturday, May 25
Indie-electronic band Passion Pit brings its “Manners 10 year Anniversary Tour” to the Anthem (901 Wharf St., S.W.) tonight at 8 p.m. The band is fronted by bisexual singer Michael Angelakos. The tour celebrates the 10 year anniversary of their debut studio album,“Manners.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40-119. For more details, visit theanthemdc.com.
Avalon Saturdays presents Battle of the DJs: Madscience vs. Wess at Soundcheck (1420 K St., N.W.) tonight from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Drag show is from 10:30-11:30 p.m. There will be a Jameson and Tito’s open bar from 11 p.m.-midnight. General admission tickets are $15. VIP tickets are $20 and include express entry and access to private VIP lounge with bar and bartender. For more information, visit dougiemeyerpresents.com.
Qwerty, an LGBT dance party, is at Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) tonight from 10 p.m.-2:45 a.m. DJ Adam Koussari-Amin, DJ Dvonne and DJ Jeff Prior will spin hard-pop, queer-step, disco and more. Ruth Allen Ginsburg will give a performance. No cover. For more details, visit facebook.com/ctrldc.
Desiree Dik hosts Oddball at Slash Run (201 Upshur St., N.W.) tonight from 11:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Drag performers include Miss Buffy Wilde, Squealia, Cake and Blasfemme. Cover is $5. For more information, visit facebook.com/slashrun.
Sunday, May 26
Flash (645 Florida Ave., N.W.) hosts Flashy Memorial Day Weekend, a dance party, tonight from 10 p.m.-5 a.m. DJ Twin and DJ Sean Morris will play music on the main floor until 5 a.m. DJ Saint will spin tracks on the roof deck. Extended bar runs until 4 a.m. Cover is $20. For more information, visit facebook.com/flashydc.
Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) hosts Church, a Memorial Day Weekend party, tonight from 9 p.m.-1:45 a.m. Geneva Confectionn, Jaxknife Complex and Pussy Noir will co-host and perform. Rev. Jesse Jackson and Wess the DJ will spin tracks. For more details, visit facebook.com/tradebardc.
Monday, May 27
Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) hosts PrideTease, a day party hosted by Vernon A. Wall and Aaron Riggins, today from 2-7 p.m. DJs will play music from Capital Pride’s headliners and there will also be an opportunity to win prizes and Pride packages. There will also be popsicles and a surprise performance. For more details, visit facebook.com/tradebardc.
Tuesday, May 28
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts genderqueer D.C., a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, tonight at 7 p.m. For more information, visit genderqueerdc.org.
Wednesday, May 29
Gay Women of Rehoboth take a bus trip to the Newseum today from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The bus leaves CAMP Rehoboth (37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) at 8 a.m. and will head to the Newseum (555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.). The group will visit the “Rise Up” exhibit. The rest of the day is free to explore D.C. The bus departs at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 and include round-trip transportation, driver tip and admission to the Newseum. For details, visit camprehoboth.com.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for duplicate bridge. No reservations required and new comers welcome. If you need a partner, call 703-407-6540.
Thursday, May 30
Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) hosts a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 11 viewing party tonight from 9-10:30 p.m. Jaxknife Complex hosts the party. There will be games and free drinks throughout the episode. Wess the DJ will spin tracks after the episode. Extended happy hour is until 10 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/tradebardc.
Venus Valhalla hosts Thirst Trap Thursdays at Pitchers D.C. (2317 18th St., N.W.) tonight at 11 p.m. Local drag talent will perform. For details, visit facebook.com/pitchersdc.
The National LGBTQ Task Force and NQAPIA (National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance) host the inaugural reception Heritage and Pride: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ API Communities to celebrate queer and transgender Asian Pacific Islanders. There will be light programming, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Friday, May 31
Alliance Française de Washington D.C. (2142 Wyoming Ave., N.W.) hosts Tristan Cabello, assistant director of the master of liberal arts at Johns Hopkins University Tristan Cabello to discuss “Gay Paris: A Short History of Gay Rights in France” tonight from 7-9 p.m. Light refreshments will be served after the Q&A. Tickets are $10 for AFDC members and $15 for non-members. For more information, search “A Short History of Gay Rights in France, talk by Tristan Cabello” on Eventbrite.
Out & About
Documentary about Blade reporter to premiere this month
Panel discussion to follow ‘Lou’s Legacy’ screening
“Lou’s Legacy: A Reporter’s Life at the ‘Washington Blade’” will premiere on Thursday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
This new documentary from Emmy-nominated D.C. filmmaker Patrick Sammon tells the story of the legendary Blade news reporter, Lou Chibbaro Jr., as he works on an article about the return of drag icon Donnell Robinson – also known as Ella Fitzgerald — to the Capital Pride stage.
The documentary follows Chibbaro as he works on a story about Ella’s triumphant return to the Pride stage after three years away because of COVID. Donnell and Chibbaro reflect on their careers and discuss the ongoing backlash against the LGBTQ community, including laws targeting drag performers.
After the screening, there will be a panel discussion moderated by D.C. journalist Rebekah Robinson and featuring Blade Publisher Lynne Brown. This event is free and more details are available at the DC Public Library website.
Friday, May 16
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St. NW. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans Genderqueer Game Night will be at 6 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This will be a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, May 17
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including Allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Pride Kickoff FunDay Social” at 4 p.m. at Moxy. This event is ideal for making meaningful new connections and informal community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy the group happy hour. Fabulous people from all over the world are expected and nametags will be provided. This event is free to attend and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Art with Tosca will host “Queer Icons & Trailblazers: An Art Tour for World Pride DC 2025” at 2:00p.m. at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This will be an unforgettable exploration of LGBTQ+ history, identity, and artistic expression at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Celebrate the vibrant history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community through compelling portraits and groundbreaking works that highlight the power of queer artistry. Tickets cost $48 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 19
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
“Pickets, Protests and Parades Exhibit Tour” will be at 7 p.m. at Freedom Plaza. This exhibition honors the courage, resistance, and resilience of D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community. Tickets start at $10 and are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, May 20
Center Bi+ Roundtable Discussion will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as bi individuals in a private setting. For more details, visit Facebook or Meetup.
Wednesday, May 21
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 22
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
DC Anti-Violence Project Open Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. These are open meetings, and we would love to see anyone who is interested in learning more and getting involved in lessening violence both within and directed towards the LGBT communities. For more details, visit Facebook and Twitter.
Out & About
DJs to hold panel discussion on music, identity
Featured artists include DJ Chord, Tezrah and Jake Maxwell
Promethean Fundraising will host “Circuit Music: A LGBTQ+ Cultural Identifier,” an exclusive panel featuring influential LGBTQ DJs in the music industry, on Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBTQ Community (1828 Wiltberher St., N.W.).
The event will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with these groundbreaking artists as they share their journeys, discuss the cultural significance of circuit music, and explore how music can serve as a platform for advocacy and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community. The featured artists are DJ Chord, Tezrah and Jake Maxwell.
This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Mike Millan prepares to co-host Helen Hayes Awards
Comings & Goings
Antipathy toward queer workers
Documentary about Blade reporter to premiere this month
Calendar: May 16-22
Tourists, locals express concerns about WorldPride security
Ashley Biden to speak at Blade’s Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach
Peruvian activists react to Pope Leo XIV’s election
Down to shuck!
